Chima et al

A Survey of Plants Used in the Treatment of Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Disorders in Nneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

*Chima U.D., Ofodile E.A.U. and Okorie M.C.F.

Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Port Harcourt- Choba,

P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author’s Email: punditzum @ yahoo.ca,

Mobile phone: +234-803-812-1887

Abstract:

This study evaluated plants in homesteads employed in the treatment of ante-natal and post-natal disorders in four communities within Nneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 18 plant species belonging to 12 families were found to be used in the handling of pregnancy-and post-pregnancy-related issues including infertility, breast lump, placenta delivery, womb cleansing, milk production, anaemia, miscarriage, umbilical wound, among others. Plant remedies were prepared mostly as infusions or decoctions from different plant parts using water, palm-wine, gin, stout beer and soft drinks. The diversity, species richness and abundance of the medicinal plants varied among the sampled communities. Similarity in the identified plant species composition between communities also varied and ranged from 50 – 79%; indicating varying levels of knowledge of their medicinal attributes, cultivation and usage. Conservation and laboratory screening of the species are suggested to complement global efforts towards a drastic reduction in child and maternal mortality.